Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many adults suffering from ADHD also have comorbid disorders like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many depressed patients do not respond well to medications and may benefit from therapy.
Medications that most effectively improve the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD are those that boost and regulate levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Commonly prescribed stimulants include amphetamine, methylphenidate and similar drugs.
Medications
A variety of medications used to treat ADHD in children can be used on adults. However, the dosages are different and the medications can cause side effects that are not typical of children. A doctor will consider the medical history of the patient as well as family history and other health issues to determine which medication is most suitable for him or her.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant and works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants such as methylphenidate or dextro-amphe (commonly known as Adderall) increase the availability of these neurotransmitters, which can improve focus and decrease impulsivity and aggression. They come in many forms such as chewable tablets, liquids and skin patches. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide better patient compliance and longer lasting and smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is crucial to be aware that comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression may affect the response to ADHD medication. Therefore it is recommended that these mental health issues be treated first before medication is used as a secondary measure. The medications that can be used for comorbid mood disorders are atomoxetine (Bupropion), tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion (Wilens 2004).).
Certain patients may suffer from some patients may experience a "rebound effect" where their ADHD symptoms worsen after discontinuing stimulant medication. In these cases a short trial of a lower dose of stimulant medication can be helpful.
Certain people are not able to take stimulant medicines or are unable to take them due to addiction or other health conditions, such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these situations, nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or viloxazine may be beneficial. These drugs do not have the same amount of side effects as stimulants and carry a a lower risk for misuse and diversion.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. It can help those with ADHD learn how to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or deal with problems in their relationships or at work. It can also assist those suffering from mental illness that are co-existing like depression and substance abuse disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and schema therapy. These therapies are based upon the idea that thoughts and beliefs influence how a person feels, thinks and acts. CBT helps individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then develop and implement positive strategies to change these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs techniques for meditation to help a person learn to concentrate on their thoughts and emotions, control impulses, and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the family history of a person may be useful for people with ADHD who have significant secondary issues.
Psychotherapy, along with medication, can assist with specific ADHD problems, such as difficulties with schoolwork or getting along with other people. It can also help in avoiding important dates and obligations and making impulsive decisions that can result in legal and financial problems. Psychotherapy can also help people to identify and resolve issues that cause ADHD symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Psychotherapy can assist people in finding healthy strategies for coping and decrease stress. For instance exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also offer support to the family member or spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD can have on their relationship. Therapy for families and marriage can help couples and families communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a kind of psychotherapy which focuses on helping clients overcome their negative thoughts. It involves a dialogue based on skills with a mental health professional to address the underlying reason for the symptoms. This therapy aims to help patients overcome limitations and develop coping strategies that are appropriate to their everyday lives.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT teach clients how to identify unhelpful thoughts and help them develop skills to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can take time. But it is an effective alternative for adults who are not getting adequate relief from their medication.
A recent RCT study has found that when paired with medication, CBT is superior to cognitive behavioral therapy alone in reducing the severity of core symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as self-esteem and social functioning in adults with ADHD (Clarke et al., 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is especially beneficial for those suffering from more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who offer this kind of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan that addresses their specific problems. Iam Psychiatry teach them a series of practical skills that are easy to apply and have a good chance of success. Typically, a chart system is used to track progress and reward positive behaviour. This might include an everyday report for a child that outlines the tasks they are required to complete at school, or the positive behaviors that need to be demonstrated, and a system of monitoring and earning rewards. Therapists can also discuss the possibility of the introduction of negative consequences if a child does not complete their tasks. This can be done in a very sensitive and supportive way.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a brand new form of psychotherapy that helps people to change their thinking. This kind of treatment can be effective for people suffering from a range of mental health problems, including depression. It is a kind of cognitive behavior therapy that assists people in recognizing negative thoughts and their effects on their emotions. This type of therapy can assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are flexible and useful.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To do this we compared self- and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with predictors of Metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging Information Management and Evaluation). It was observed that the comprehensive knowledge of people was linked to daily functioning in adults with ADHD but that regulatory processes were not. Metacognition predictors had moderate predictive power, which suggests they could explain a significant amount of variance in daily functioning of adults suffering from ADHD.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is an intervention that focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause dysfunction and perpetuate mental states such as worry, rumination and attention fixation. Adrian Wells developed MCT based on an idea of information processing by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in reducing anxiety disorder, but it's still relatively in its infancy and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in other disorders.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MCT to reduce symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. However, it can be used to treat a variety disorders and may be more effective than any other therapy. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a cure for ADHD however it can be utilized as an adjunctive therapy.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. Everyone is able to better understand the issues of the client and learn how to help their loved family members. It also helps them find ways to cope with their own frustrations and develop healthier communication skills. In addition, this type of counseling is useful for addressing comorbidities such as depression and addiction to drugs, which are typically seen alongside ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get a better understanding of the family's view of the problem and assess their suitability for family intervention. It can be done online or in person. The Therapist will explain to each participant the nature of treatment and the rules for family therapy.
A therapist with worked with adults suffering from ADHD asks a lot questions to get a better understanding of their current symptoms as well as their past and the impact they have on their family, work and personal relationships. They will also inquire whether there are any other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It concentrates on improving your self-esteem and self-control by teaching you techniques to cope with anger and stress. It is a treatment option for short-term use that can be used in conjunction with other forms of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people with ADHD to deal with the emotional baggage that comes from failing and underachievement. It can also help them deal problems with relationships, job changes, and academic challenges. It can teach you stress reduction and coping techniques and also how to manage your financial and time management. It can also be used to tackle comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders, which are often associated with ADHD.